Santa Barbara County

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2011 remains one of the most unusual vintages for its long cool growing season that stretched the ripening period of grapes without burning off freshness or energy. Nowhere is it more apparent than with White Hawk vineyard. The wine is usually powerfully tannic and takes years to develop its more intricate fragrances and polish its often bruising structure.

In 2011 the wine was instantly fragrant with varietally correct pepper and spice. Right away the mouth feel was more relaxed with tension and grit revealed in lengthy, fine textures. Now that it has had the proper bottle maturation it is starting to further open up, showcasing a wide palette of fragrances from deep, dark fruitiness, to balsamic-incense-resin that finishes in a mineral, tarry landscape. More than any of the previous vintages this wine achieved a great balance of power and finesse all the while speaking precisely of Syrah.

Blend: 100% Syrah | Alc: 14.5% | Vinification: 20% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 18 Months | Total Production: 161 cases

Press Reviews

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Bright purple. Textbook syrah aromas of fresh blackberry, violet, olive paste and candied licorice, plus a smoky mineral note. Sweet and lush on entry, then spicy and energetic in the mid-palate, offering intense black and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a late kick of cracked pepper. At once ripe and lithe, finishing long, expansive and gently tannic, with notes of candied violet and olive.” –JR 92 Points

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Adam’s 2011 Syrah White Hawk Vineyard is shockingly good and maybe the best vintage of this cuvee I’ve tasted. Vibrant ruby/purple and opaque colored it offers terrific and classic Syrah notes of black raspberry, ground pepper, olive and a touch of bloodiness on the nose. These flow to a medium to full-bodied Syrah that has exceptional purity of fruit, a balanced, layered mouth feel and a great finish. Already approachable, it still held up nicely over the multiple days I had the bottle open and should evolve gracefully given its balanced, harmonious profile. ” – JD 94 Points